Bear Rank - Cherokee Legend Ceremony

This Ceremony is meant for Bear scouts.

Script:

The Cherokee tell a legend of a boy who lived in one of their villages. The boy used to leave home and spend his days wandering in the mountains. At first, it would be for only a few hours at a time, but as the boy grew older he would be gone longer and longer. Eventually he was leaving before dawn and would not return until after dark.

His parents were concerned with this behavior. He would not even eat at home. They noticed that long, brown hair was beginning to grow all over his body. They finally asked him why he preferred to be in the woods.

"I find plenty to eat there, and it is better than what we have to eat in the village," he replied. "One day soon, I will leave and not return. If you like, you are welcome to come with me."

His parents decided to discover what he was doing in the forest. The next day, they went with him as he trekked up the mountain. He took them the places where he found shelter. He taught them the ways he had learned to hunt. He showed them his water holes. The parents were impressed with all their son had learned and how self-sufficient he had become. As they stayed with him, they began to notice that the same long hair began to cover them as well.

You, too, have become a Bear. Over the year you have learned many skills, and you have begun to become more independent. You have begun to change. You rely more on yourself or your den mates. But your parents are still welcome to share your adventure, and as you change, they change and grow as well.

You have mastered many skills and achievements to reach this level, and tonight we commend you on your accomplishments.